Can Oilers win Cup with McDavid’s cap hit?

According to Ryan Rishaug and Elliotte Friedman, Connor McDavid’s new contract will be eight years with a $13.25 million cap hit. He will have the largest cap hit in the NHL, a 21.2% increase over Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews’ hit of $10.5 million.

It is a massive contract and the reported $106 million total is the 3nd largest in NHL history. Shea Weber’s 14-year deal was worth a total of $110 million, but his cap hit is $7.85 million, while Alex Oveckin has the highest at $124 over 13 years. You can’t sign a player for longer than eight years now.

The main question in Oilersnation is how will McDavid’s cap hit impact the Oilers’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup?

Having McDavid on the team gives the Oilers an advantage over most teams, but in the NHL you need depth and very good complementary players to win.

This past season McDavid played 21:07/game in the regular season and 22:24 in the playoffs. He’ll be on the ice 35-37% of the game. He can impact the game more in those minutes than most players, but the other 63-65% of the time the Oilers will need a good supporting cast if they hope to hoist the Cup sometime in the next nine seasons.

His new salary will undoubtedly impact Peter Chiarelli and how he constructs his team, but is a $13.25 million cap hit detrimental to winning?

Here is a quick look at the highest cap hit on recent Stanley Cup winning teams.

Crosby had the highest individual % in 2009. Since reports of McDavid’s new deal broke, many have compared it to Crosby’s 2nd contract and how they are similar in percentage of the salary cap at the time. When Crosby signed his new deal his percentage of the team’s cap was 17.3% and McDavid’s is 17.6%. So, yes that is accurate, however, I think it is a bit misleading. We are unlikely to see a similar increase in the cap after the deals were signed. The Oilers would need a massive increase for McDavid’s percentage to be similar to Crosby’s when the 2017/2018 season begins.

When Crosby signed his extension on July 10th, 2007 the salary cap for the 2007/2008 season was $50.3 million. It jumped to $56.7 million (a 12.7% increase) for the 2008/2009 season when Crosby’s deal kicked in. In order for McDavid’s contract to have a similar 15.3% of the total cap next season, the cap will need to come in at $86 million. A whopping $11 million increase from this year. To date the largest one season increase for the salary cap was $6.4 million. I’d be stunned if we see that large of an increase.

But one player doesn’t win the Cup, great teams win it. I think it helps to look at the core of a team and their salaries to see how Cup winners succeed under a salary cap.

The 2017 Penguins had Malkin, Crosby, Phil Kessel, Marc-Andre Fleury/Matt Murray and Kris Letang as their core five players. Letang was injured for the playoffs, but he was their #1 defender and they managed to acquire Ron Hainsey at the deadline to fill in admirably at a very low price. The Penguins were also unique because Murray and Fleury split time in the playoffs, but both were on the cap, so I will use Fleury’s number because he, like Letang, was one of their core guys to start their back-to-back Cup runs.

This past season those core five players totalled $38 million in cap space. They made up 52% of the Penguins’ overall cap.

In 2016 they had the same $38 million in cap space. They ate up 53.2% of the Penguins’ cap.

The 2015 Blackhawks had a larger core of Kane, Toews, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Brent Seabrook and Cory Crawford. Those seven totaled $41.3 million, which equaled $59.8% of the salary cap. Some would argue Niklas Hjalmarsson should be included, so add him and it jumps to $45.4 million and 65.8% of the cap.

The 2014 LA Kings had Doughty, Jonathan Quick, Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Dustin Brown and Slava Voynov. Those five totaled $28.9 million, which was 49.8% of the cap. The Kings were a very deep team. Only one forward, Kyle Clifford, averaged fewer than 12:16 TOI/game in the playoffs in 2014. They also acquired Marian Gaborik at the deadline, but only had to pay a small portion of his total cap.

The 2013 Hawks had the same main seven, but Crawford was on a cheaper contract. Those seven combined for $38 million. The lockout season is tough to compare due to games played, as well as the $60 million cap, but remember they could spend up to $72 million pro-rated. I prefer just going with $64 million because that was the cap hit of 2012 and 2014. If we go by $64 million then those seven were 59% of the total cap.

The 2012 Kings had Doughty, Quick and Kopitar as their three stars. Mike Richards and Dustin Brown were their other main players. Those five totaled $24.52 million and only 38.1% of the cap. They added Carter at the trade deadline, but he only cost $1.3 million against the cap. They were a three-line team in the playoffs. Colin Fraser, Jordan Nolan and Brad Richardson played between seven and eight minutes a game. They had Quick on a very cheap second contract, $1.8 million and other solid contributors.

The 2011 Bruins had Chara, Tim Thomas, Patrice Bergeron, Milan Lucic, Dennis Seidenberg and David Krejci. Those six combined for $28.3 million, or 47.6% of the cap. Brad Marchand had a huge playoffs with 19 points. He only had 41 in the regular season in the final year of his ELC.

The 2010 Hawks had Brian Campbell and Hossa on big deals, but Kane and Toews were on their ELC. Keith, Seabrook and Sharp were on their second deals at $1.4, $3.5 and $3.9 million, respectively. Those seven added up to $27.8 million or 49% of the cap.

The 2009 Penguins had Crosby, Malkin, Fleury, Gonchar and Staal. They won on the backs of Malkin and Crosby. Those two had 36 and 31 points each, respectively. Bill Guerin was third with 15 points. Those five totalled $24.73 million which equaled 43.6% of the cap.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

January 25, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) moves in for a shot on goal against the defense of Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago had a great core, larger than most teams, and not surprisingly they ate up a large chunk of the overall salary cap. Pittsburgh won the past two seasons with five players eating up 52% and 53% of the cap. We must keep in mind that Crosby is on a 12-year contract. Those aren’t valid anymore, and that gives the Penguins a lot of cap flexibility because he has a lower cap hit. His first eight years of the deal would have him at a $10.8 million cap hit. So even if we factor in the extra $2 million, their core’s percentage of the total cap would have 54.7% this year and 56% last year.

Every team is built differently. The Kings had a lot of depth, and were more defence focused, but it is interesting to note that since 2013 the percentage of money from the core is higher than it was between 2009-2012. If that trend continues, then the Oilers will have some more room to pay their core, as long as they can secure a dominant group.

The most difficult aspect to factor into the equation of winning is experience. Would the Penguins have been able to win without Letang if most of their blueliners hadn’t played in the pressure cooker of the 2016 Cup run? I do believe having been there a year earlier allowed them to not panic as much as teams who hadn’t already won or been involved in a long playoff run. It is impossible to track, but I believe it is a factor.

So what will it mean for the Oilers moving forward?

The salary cap his risen by about $2 million dollars over the past three seasons. It was $69 million in 2015, $71.4 million in 2016, $73 million this past year and it will be $75 million next season.

So let’s say the cap will be $77 million when McDavid’s contract begins in 2018/2019.

McDavid’s new deal would take up 17.2% of the cap, but can their core group come in around 53%, which would be $40 million?

Leon Draisaitl’s new deal will play a major factor. For fun, let’s say he is at $7.5 million. (Of course he could get +8million plus)
Cam Talbot will be in the final year of his deal in 2018/2019 making $4.16 million.
Milan Lucic and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are at $6 million each. (I think will be very hard to keep RNH with McDavid and Draisaitl extensions)
Oscar Klefbom is at $4.16 million and Andrej Sekera is at $5.5 million.

Those seven total $46.57 million, which would be 60% of a $77 million salary cap.

I presume in 2019/2020 Talbot will get a raise, so even if the cap goes up $2 million, Talbot’s new deal would likely take most of it.

Is that core of seven strong enough to be the foundation to challenge, and ultimately win, a Stanley Cup over the next four season?

McDavid’s new contract is massive, and with him on the roster the Oilers will be a contender, but such a large cap hit eating up a large chunk of the salary cap percentage will make it a bit more difficult to win the Stanley Cup.

Far from impossible, but in the future the Oilers will need to find some players who outperform their contracts. General manager Peter Chiarelli has put a lot of pressure on himself to ensure he finds good value contracts moving forward and doesn’t have any “dead weight” contracts.

But the best news for the Edmonton Oilers and their fans is McDavid will be skating in Edmonton for at least another nine seasons. From a business perspective it makes sense. From an entertainment standpoint is a great deal for Oilersnation.

Overpay, he did ok in the playoffs and that’s all, now Leon for a following discusting, no Stanley for this poorly run franchise with McD eating all the cap and Todd reacting to smarter coaches. I hate this team, stupid move, trade him to buffalo for eikel and ristolynen, after that sh*t deal, I could care less about the spelling. Who wants to bet the oil don’t win Stanley as long as McDollars and Todd are ruining the show. I’m giving 3 to 1 odds and hearing crickets.

I eatch hockey. In fact, I bet I’ve seen more than you have Vallko. Coaching is the difference between an organization that develops talent and one that doesn’t. Coaching is the difference between a team that has good players and one that uses good players properly. Coaching is also one of the things players consider before signing on with a team. If they don’t like the coach, they probably don’t sign with that team.

Before making smart ass comments, you really need to consider what you’re saying. Todd McLellan is one of the best coaches in the NHL, whether you think so or not.

Todd is terrible head coach, may be a fantastic assistant coach, but head, no way. He sucks at line matching, he sucks at challenges, his win loss is better away than at home. That alone proves other coaches are better especially when home ice advantage is a disadvantage, think about it. And who loses a 3 goal lead in the last 3 minutes of a majore playoff game, geez. Todd and Company, that’s who. You are wrong and time will prove it, mark my words, every year of Todd is a wasted year of McDollars. This team will never win a Stanley cup with Todd as the coach, again I am giving 3 to 1 odds and hearing crickets. PS, I’m older than Don Cherry, how can you have seen more of anything than I, ha.

The math is irrelevant, the bottom line is the Oilers will have to pay McDavid what ever he asks for if the want to keep him. Because if they don’t, every other team that doesn’t have a penguin on the front of their jersey will. And it’s not the maximum, so it’s a steal.

McDavid at $13m US for 8 years is really showing his “LOVE” for Edmonton. So is
Leon at a measly $8 million per year. Probably some fans think this is wonderful?
Is the NHL and the players trying to milk the fans and sponsors? Of course they are.

Yuck. I love McDavid. But I didn’t think it would be that much!!! I figured he would of considered he needed players to play with. I guess money trumps everything. I hope some players that are cheap will work out…but then the next term they will want huge pay too! Good Gawd.

Yeah thats pretty dissapointing.. with all the endorsement deals alone the guy will never have to worry about money again. So why ask for 13 million? Makes 0 sense to me. Couldnt take 10-12 and save us a couple million a year to fill out the roster? I love you mcdavid but damn you did us 0 favors.

McDavid choosing to give up four years of free agency when he’s in his prime isn’t good enough for you? What – you want him to come to your place and wash your car too?

If you don’t think there were people urging Connor to hold out for the max ($15M) and sign the shortest term (4 years) then you’re nuts. McDavid is making a statement here that he wants to play in Edmonton and is giving a gift to his fans. Give your head a shake….

If connor took 11 mill everybody would b ecstatic . Sounds like he’s coming in at 13 and change. How bout a little perspective….the difference is ONE 2 million dollar player. Big woop. If Mcdavid’s deal is indeed for 8 years…im loving it.

McDavid is good as we all know. He can make an average winger look like a superstar. Key word “look” like. This means the average winger would be looking for more cash on extensions and new contracts. Crappy for the Oilers. Good news Is Edmonton is now a more desirable place for NHL’ers play with. Signing the core is easy, as you mentioned creating the correct balance under the salary cap is where chia will prove his worth.

Chiarelli will have to use that to his advantage, sell high before the average winger with inflated stats (thanks to Connor) is up for contract renewal. Then buy low on a (hopefully) well scouted winger on a cap friendly deal kind of like he did with Maroon. If Maroon has another season like last I doubt he takes a pay cut, Chia will have to offload him and try and bring in a value contract or hope someone within the system can take his place.

McDavid is the best player in the league. The term makes the contract palatable. We have some dead weight contracts, but McDavid’s isn’t one of them. I hope that we can sign Draisaitl to a long term deal as well. I’m pleased with the signing. It bodes well for the franchise.

Your question was can the Oilers win with McDavids cap hit? Add Leon’s high demands and I would answer the question as NO. To much money tied up by two (albeit very good) players. Not enough left in the cap kitty bank to build a solid competitive team around them.

Its a business.
As an oiler fan if we were paid enough to not have to worry about money for the rest of our lives you bet we would take a few million less to help the team win the cup we grew up chearing for. Maybe he would have taken a home town pay cut if he was a leaf?
It is his right though to take as much as he can. No doubt he is worth it, at least he is if he can turn it up in the playoffs and be a force.

If only Eberle could have stuck on mcdavid’s wing and had 70 pts! And leon would have picked up 40 to 50 points playing down the lineup. End could have garnered a better return and Klein’s contract could start with a 3!

Yes, the Oilers can win the cup with McDavid’s cap hit, perhaps multiple times. The kid will be un-be-frickin-lievable for the next 9 years and all we really need is a point shot which might already be Kleb-BOM and second line that can score (shame on you Ebs and Nuge you’re next!), hopefully have that internally and generally it’s possible to get wingers when needed, especially to join this juggernaut for a chance at a cup. The rest is just revolving guys whose job is to not get scored on. Lock Drai up too.

And further, can anyone think of any possible other player or combos of players they’d rather have than McDavid at 20-29 years of age for the same cap hit (13.25 mil)? Anyone poo-pooing this needs their heads examined.

yea Draisaitl is a major stud, but if is asking for 10 mil and gets offersheeted for that, I would get over it pretty soon. Cap space to pick up other pieces, and all those extra first round picks would turn us into a long term juggernaut. I fully expect Drai to be one of the top forwards in the game but if he takes an offersheet then we have a new rivalry to get worked up about. all good things in my book.